Just put one sponge in a tub of water and another in a tub of mayonnaise and look at absorption by sponge ;)

So an increased viscosity of the liquid that is to be absorbed results in fewer of the pores of empty space in the 'sponge' to be filled. This is most likely because the intermolecular forces in mayonnaise are more numerous per unit volume than those in water, and because mayonnaise molecules (lots of fats) are very large relative to HOH so a greater force is required to push the molecules in the holes. The force pushing the liquid into the sponge is relatively constant (otherwise you would be able to push your hand into a tub of mayonnaise and the depression would stay rather than the mayonnaise covering your hand as water does).

The Naked Scientists® and Naked Science® are registered trademarks.
Information presented on this website is the opinion of the individual contributors
and does not reflect the general views of the administrators, editors, moderators,
sponsors, Cambridge University or the public at large.